When suspected crew members opened fire during the reopening of Haiti’s largest people hospital on Tuesday, killing two journalists and injuring many others. The attack took place as officials attempted to resume operations at the General Hospital, which had been shut down earlier this year due to escalating group violence. It also injured police soldiers and civilians.
Robest Dimanche, spokeswoman for the Online Media Collective, identified the victims as editors Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean.An unspecified number of other reporters were injured in the attack, which Dimanche blamed on the Viv Ansanm gang coalition.
Haiti’s time leader, Leslie Voltaire, condemned the violence in a nationwide target. ” I send my sentiments to the people who were victims, the federal authorities, and the reporters”, Voltaire said, vowing that” this violence is not going to get unnoticed”.
Two men’s bodies were seen on stretchers, one with a push credential around his neck, according to online video footage, while another reporters were seen lying in the hospital’s floor, evidently hurt, on the other’s. Authorities have yet to confirm the numbers, but Radio Télé Métronome reported that seven editors and two police officers were hurt in the event.
Johnson” Izo” André, president of the Viv Ansanm group, claimed responsibility for the harm in a video posted on social media. He claimed that the crew had not authorized the hospital’s reopening, indicating how much group control there is now.
The General Hospital, located near the regional house, has been the image of violent clashes between officers and groups. After government for a brief period of time regained power, former prime minister Garry Conille visited the hospital in July. The hospital had been devastated, with dust and bullet-riddled surfaces marking the aftereffects of the struggling.
Gang violence has pushed Haiti’s health care system to the precipice, with medical facilities looted, burned, and destroyed in recent months. The issue has been further exacerbated by the rainy season, which has increased the risk of dysentery and other aquatic illnesses. According to UNICEF, Haiti has reported over 84, 000 suspected cases of cholera this time, compounding the world’s health issues.
Numerous investigators have been killed in recent years in Haiti, which has made it more risky for journalists. The tragic passing of Nathoux and Jean highlights the growing dangers facing press professionals in a nation where violence is getting worse.
